If you like your old men wrinkly, ornery, and armed with a branch then Southern Bastards #3 is for you! This issue shows our great protagonist, Earl, kicking ass and taking names. And ribs. Can't forget the delicious ribs.

The two Jasons turn things up a notch with a severe beat-down carried out by Earl against the Redneck-piece-of-shit, Esaw. This is just a taste of the retribution that Earl has planned for the repercussions of the Coach's crew and in a fashion that would make Clint Eastwood proud, Earl just plain dominates.

The pacing of this issue is pretty atypical of the series so far. It starts off fast, slows down a bit, and then ends rather tensely. The past two issues have all been pretty steady-paced, by no means predictable, but kept things suspenseful. This is refreshing. A common element in all the issues is a heartwarming voicemail being left by Earl. Even till now we have no clue who it is on the other line or whose voice-mailbox he's talking into, but it's heavy. Heavy like the humid Mississippi air. I'm going to keep using comparisons to something southern in my reviews...so you may want to brace yourself for that...

This issue is a bit dialogue heavy but peppered in the script are some really great reveals to the type of characters that we will soon know very well. In a perfect example of Southern Multitasking, Coach manages his criminal underground group while being completely enthralled with his opponent's offense. Because damn them for their hurry-up offense...Tom Brady and his strategy even leaks off into comic books now. Seeing how wide the Coach's sphere of influence reaches is something I can't wait to be explored.

One of my favorite things about this series, amongst the millions of things, are the faces that Latour comes up with. I find myself studying every detail of them and it is just such a treat. From Earl's stoic expression to Tad's quirky smirk, it adds so much to each panel with a wonderful script by Aaron, you never want an issue to end. I just want to see these characters keep interacting. And with the way this issue ends, it may just very well piss you off and make you feel a tad bit depressed.

I am really enjoying this series. I am hooked. 3-issues in and every issue has had something different. I'm not entirely sure where the story is heading, but revenge does seem to be the motivation. And I'm strapped in awaiting the inevitable crazy ride.

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About the Author - Bryant Thomas

Bryant Thomas is far too over attached to his dog, Dexter. He talks to him. Confesses to him. But most of all, he reads comics to him. When Bryant isn't working for the energy industry, helping companies figure out what to buy to make them profitable, he reaches for a new trade or drools over all of the insane JH Williams art in Batwoman's early issues. Growing up in Texas has given Bryant a very complex palate to BBQ Sauces, ranch dressing, and the occasional whiskey. His free-time is filled with panels and panels, and even more panels as he writes reviews for the wonderful institution that is, The Outhouse.